Front Squat Benefits: Why and How to Do It Properly

No one can deny that adding squats to your weight training workouts will increase your lower body strength. While the most frequently practiced squat exercise is the back squat, it may be better to employ the front squat, especially if back pain can be an issue. While the back squat makes use of a barbell that rests on the back of the upper shoulders, the workout positions the bar at the front of the shoulders, shifting the resistance load slightly forward.

 

During a front squat workout, the quadriceps, which are the four front muscles in the upper tights, are utilized the most during the exercise. During the workout, the quadriceps or quads extend the knee joints while the gluteus maximus (glutes) in the buttocks extend the hips when you return to a standing position. The soleus muscle, located in the calves, extends the joints in the ankle when front squats are being practiced. While this workout focuses more on the quads, back squats concentrate more on the glutes.

 
 

Here Are The Benefits Of Front Squats

  • Everyday Activities are Easier to Perform

 

Also during this type of workout, the quadriceps, which are the four front muscles in the upper tights, are utilized the most during the exercise. During the workout, the quadriceps or quads extend the knee joints while the gluteus maximus (glutes) in the buttocks extend the hips when you return to a standing position. The soleus muscle, located in the calves, extends the joints in the ankle when done right. While front squats focus more on the quads, back squats concentrate more on the glutes.

  • REDUCED SHOULDER STRESS

reduced shoulder stress

Another plus is that this workout also places reduced stress on the shoulders. The back squat necessitates that you stretch the front shoulders while reaching back and holding the barbell at the top of the back of the shoulders. As a result, anyone who deals shoulder issues will experience even more pain during a back squat workout.

 
 

SUMMARY

Let’s rundown the most common benefits:

  • Bigger, and stronger quads;
  • A stronger core;
  • An improved technique, which will also assist you in such lifts and presses as power cleans, overhead squats, and overhead presses.
  • A naturalized spinal position. Because you remain more upright, your spine remains in a straighter or more neutral position.
  • Fewer incidents of lower back pain. Because a barbell front squat concentrates on the quads instead of the back, you will experience fewer issues with back pain or discomfort.

It also require less torque, which keeps your torso mostly upright if done correctly. Less weight is utilized as well, which results in a decrease in spinal compression. If you are not a powerlifter but want to build strength, then front squats should absolutely be a part of your workout plan. Again, a big plus here is that this exercise does help to alleviate any lower back issues. Posterior chain emphasis is also less important to someone who decides to add front squat exercises to their routine.